Protecting Hazing Victims in Lamar County: Legal Rights & How Attorney 911 Can Help
🚨 Hazing Is Happening in Lamar County — And It’s Not What You Think
Lamar County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities and Greek organizations near Lamar County will protect their students. But the reality is shocking: hazing is rampant across America, and Lamar County students are at risk.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a landmark $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. The same fraternities operate near Lamar County. The same “traditions” exist at Lamar County institutions. And the same negligence puts Lamar County students in danger.
If your child has been hazed in Lamar County, we can help.
🔍 What Is Hazing? The Truth Lamar County Families Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” It’s systematic abuse disguised as tradition. In our current case, we’ve documented:
- Waterboarding with garden hoses — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced eating until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising
- Extreme physical punishment — 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
- Psychological torture — carrying sexual objects, being hog-tied for hours
- Wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
This isn’t hazing. It’s abuse. And it’s happening near Lamar County.
⚖️ Lamar County Students’ Legal Rights
Mississippi and Texas Hazing Laws Protect Your Child
While Mississippi has its own anti-hazing statutes, many Lamar County students attend universities in Texas where we have deep legal expertise. Texas Education Code § 37.151-37.157 makes hazing illegal, and the law is clear:
“It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still protects them. Consent is not a defense when the activities are dangerous or illegal.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Lamar County?
If your child has been hazed, multiple parties may be responsible:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter — directly organized the hazing
- The national organization — failed to supervise despite knowing about hazing risks
- The university — failed to protect students despite having authority to regulate Greek life
- Individual members — participated in or facilitated the hazing
- Chapter officers — leaders who allowed it to happen
- Property owners — if hazing occurred at a private residence
In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing all of these parties — and we’ll do the same for Lamar County families.
💰 What Hazing Victims in Lamar County Can Recover
Hazing causes real harm — physically, emotionally, and financially. Lamar County victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills — hospital stays, ER visits, ongoing treatment
- Future medical expenses — if injuries require long-term care
- Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
- Educational disruption — tuition for missed semesters, delayed graduation
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering — the agony of rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, or other injuries
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression from the trauma
- Emotional distress — humiliation, shame, loss of trust
- Loss of enjoyment of life — impact on college experience, social life, and future opportunities
Punitive Damages
When conduct is particularly egregious, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and prevent future harm. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re seeking punitive damages because:
- The fraternity knew about deadly hazing (Andrew Coffey died in 2017)
- The university knew about prior hazing incidents (a student was hospitalized in 2017)
- They did nothing to stop it
- The hazing included torture (waterboarding)
Lamar County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
🏛️ The Shocking Truth About Hazing in America
The Statistics Don’t Lie
- 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing
- 40% of student athletes report hazing
- Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States
- 95% of students who are hazed do not report it
Why don’t they report?
- Fear of retaliation
- Loyalty to the organization
- Shame or embarrassment
- Not recognizing it as hazing
- Pressure from peers
This silence is exactly what allows hazing to continue — and why Lamar County families need legal protection.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Lamar County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, what happened
- Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Do not confront fraternity/sorority leadership
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not give statements to university administrators without legal counsel
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We serve Lamar County families with the same dedication we’re bringing to our Pi Kappa Phi case.
🏆 Why Lamar County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for You
While based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Lamar County. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your family:
✅ Hazing Litigation Expertise — We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight right now.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know their playbook and use it against them.
✅ Federal Court Authority — We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, allowing us to pursue cases nationwide, including for Lamar County students.
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses — Texas AND New York, giving us strategic advantages when suing national organizations.
✅ Se Habla Español — Our bilingual staff serves Spanish-speaking families in Lamar County.
✅ Contingency Fee Representation — $0 upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
✅ Willingness to Travel — We come to Lamar County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
✅ Proven Track Record — We’ve won millions for victims of institutional negligence, including in the BP Texas City explosion litigation.
📞 Lamar County Families: Call Us Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire.
If your child has been hazed in Lamar County — whether at a local institution or anywhere in America — call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs — we work on contingency
- Video consultations for Lamar County families
- Aggressive representation against powerful institutions
We will fight for your Lamar County family just like we’re fighting for Leonel Bermudez.
🎯 The Message to Lamar County Fraternities and Universities
To the fraternities operating near Lamar County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Lamar County, we will find every liable entity.
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other nationals with chapters near Lamar County:
Know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America. We have proven these cases can be won. The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston is now shut down after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.
To universities in Lamar County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.
To Greek life leadership at Lamar County institutions:
The Bermudez case is a warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
📚 Learn More: Hazing Resources for Lamar County Families
Warning Signs of Hazing
- Sudden change in behavior or appearance
- Withdrawal from normal activities or friends
- Unexplained injuries or illnesses
- Excessive fatigue or sleep deprivation
- Sudden reluctance to discuss Greek life or pledge activities
- Signs of anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Common Hazing Activities
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Extreme physical exercise
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse or humiliation
- Forced servitude (cleaning, errands, driving members)
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Physical assault or paddling
- Sexual harassment or assault
What to Say to Your Child
- “You have the right to say no to anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
- “Real brotherhood/sisterhood doesn’t require abuse.”
- “If something feels wrong, it probably is.”
- “You can always call me — no matter what.”
- “I will protect you and support you.”
🔗 Contact Attorney 911 — Lamar County Hazing Victims
Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Video Consultation: Available for Lamar County families
Houston Office (Headquarters):
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 528-9070
We serve Lamar County and all of America. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Lamar County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Lamar County. Can you help even though you’re based in Texas?
A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide through our federal court authority and willingness to travel. We’re currently litigating a major hazing case in Houston and can pursue your Lamar County case with the same aggression.
Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing? Can we still sue?
A: Yes. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law still protects them if the activities were dangerous or illegal.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: What kind of compensation can we recover?
Lamar County hazing victims may recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme misconduct)
- Educational disruption costs
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Texas, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s critical to act quickly because evidence disappears and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: Will my child have to testify in court?
Most cases settle out of court. However, if your case goes to trial, your child may need to testify. We prepare our clients thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
Q: What if the fraternity or university tries to retaliate against my child?
We take retaliation very seriously. If the organization attempts to retaliate, we will take immediate legal action to protect your child and may seek additional damages.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
Yes. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing both the local chapter and the national organization.
Q: What if my child is afraid to come forward?
We understand the fear of retaliation. Your child’s safety and confidentiality are our top priorities. We can discuss options for anonymous reporting and legal protections.
Q: How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
Every case is different. Some cases settle within months, while others may take years if they go to trial. We work diligently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
🔥 Lamar County Families: This Is Your Moment
Hazing has gone unchecked for too long. But now, with our landmark Pi Kappa Phi case and growing awareness, we have the power to change the culture.
Your Lamar County case could be the one that stops hazing for good.
Call Attorney 911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s hold them accountable together.
